Red Bull Joyride took center stage at Crankworx Whistler 2024, marking a historic moment as women competed on the acclaimed course for the first time ever. The event, initially scheduled for 4 PM, was moved to 10 AM due to forecasted afternoon winds. Under optimal conditions, the 35,000 spectators on site and viewers online at Red Bull TV were treated to an incredible display of skill and bravery from the riders.
Men’s Competition:
David Godziek from Poland made history by securing the esteemed Triple Crown of Slopestyle title after winning three Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship (SWC) events. Godziek, who won his first ever SWC gold medal earlier this year at the Crankworx Cairns Slopestyle, delivered a clean, awe-inspiring second run, scoring 96.6 points, after going down on the last feature in his first run. Tim Bringer, who earned a strong 94.4 in his first run but crashed in his second, took home the silver medal. Max Fredriksson from Sweden, the only male athlete who made it down the course without a crash in today’s competition, returned after a difficult year dealing with injuries to secure bronze.
Men’s Podium:
- David Godziek (POL) – 96.60 pts
- Tim Bringer (FRA) – 94.40 pts
- Max Fredriksson (SWE) – 84.40 pts
Women’s Competition:
In the women’s competition, Swedish prodigy Alma Wiggberg repeated her victory from Crankworx Cairns, scoring 89.4 points with a variety of skills and aerial prowess. Local rider Natalia Miller from Coquitlam, BC, grabbed silver with 78.6 points, narrowly edging out Shealen Reno, who scored 78 points. Reno not only took home a bronze medal for Red Bull Joyride but also won the 2024 Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship due to her consistent performance throughout the season, making her the first ever female Slopestyle World Champion.
Women’s Podium:
- Alma Wiggberg (SWE) – 89.90 pts
- Natalia Miller (CAN) – 78.60 pts
- Shealen Reno (USA) – 78.00 pts
Challenges and Withdrawals:
The competition saw several challenges, with some riders, including Jake Atkinson, Chance Moore, and Natalia Niedźwiedź, crashing in practice, resulting in alternates Alex Alanko, Lukas Skiöld, and Kathi Kuypers stepping in. Emil Johansson, who won the Triple Crown of Slopestyle for the past three years in a row, had to withdraw from the competition due to a crash in practice. Despite the great conditions and riders referring to the course as “the best Slopestyle course they have ever ridden,” many riders, including Tom Isted, Max Langille, and Harriet Burbidge-Smith, were unable to complete their runs. Paul Couderc, Nicholi Rogatkin, and Torquato Testa decided not to drop in on their second runs after taking heavy hits on their first.
The 2024 Crankworx Whistler Red Bull Joyride will be remembered for its historic inclusion of women, Godziek’s Triple Crown achievement, and the remarkable display of talent from all competitors.
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